I am looking to up the quality of my "mbox 2" "usb 2" set up. I am willing to spend around $1000 for a quality preamp, but I get mixed messages. Some people tell me to get a higher quality a/d converter before I spend too much on a preamp. But I figure since my set up only allows for 48k transfer rate, that I should focus on getting some nicer preamps first. Is there a huge difference between 48k and 96k sample, if so what is the fastest possible sample rate? I'm recording violin, voice, guitar, and bass. I've been looking at the following equipment:
Preamp
UA LA-610
a/d converter
API A2D Dual 312 Mic Preamps with Digital Output
I would be getting the api used from a friend... any suggestions?
Comments
Joek wrote: ....Some people tell me to get a higher quality a/d
Joek wrote: ....Some people tell me to get a higher quality a/d converter before I spend too much on a preamp.....
As someone who is relatively inexperienced with digital audio, I'd like to hear more direct reaction to the assertion that JoeK is passing along. Do low quality converters - of the level of those in the mbox - pose a serious audio bottleneck to the point that you can't hear an upgrade in preamps?
On a more basic level (and this may be moving off topic) what do "better sounding converters" sound like (Other than "better.") With preamps I know to listen for coloration, transient response, headroom. What do you listen for when comparing converters?
The mic I'm working with are an apex ribbon mic mondified my okt
The mic I'm working with are an apex ribbon mic mondified my oktava mod... sounds incredible check out the changes they make...
http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_24&products_id=36
other mic i use is an AT4040... I've tried a my nt5s on my violin, but I usually go with a large diaphram mic becuase it seems to give the violin more presence.
If you are aiming to bypass the preamps and ADCs of the Mbox 2,
If you are aiming to bypass the preamps and ADCs of the Mbox 2, you will need to utilise the S/PDIF input of the Mbox, as it has no ADAT lightpipes.
The API A2D is a top-quality unit and should interface very nicely to the Mbox S/PDIF input. If you can get the A2D within your budget of $1000 you are doing very well. You wouldn't need the 610 as well.
Don't bust yourself to go to 96K. Well-engineered 44.1/48K recordings sound better than gear-lusted 88.2/96K ones any day.
Talking of good engineering, what mics have you got to use on the voice and violin?